1. Music.
2. Christmas lights.
3. Snuggly sweaters.
4. Fleece blankets.
5. Charged computer.
6. Back support.
What are yours?
Sunday, 9 August 2015
Sunday, 29 March 2015
for the love of literature
***I filled this out over a year ago and forgot to post it.***
***Sorry!***
I found this post on miss Arda Nessimava's blog post, "an awful lot of bookish questions"... (check our her answers - they're genius!)
Here are my answers... (though not so hilarious or brilliant)
1. Your favourite book as a child? The Chronicles of Narnia... read to me when I was nine years old... forever since been my inspiration.
3. What books do you have on request at the library? Zero, because I'm not sure how to request books. (lame, I know)
4. Bad book habit. Feeling nervous that something awful is going to happen to the main characters, and glancing down at the bottom right-hand corner of the page just to make sure everyone is going to be okay. I just can't handle the suspense... pretty sure it's not healthy!
5. What do you currently have checked out from your library? 1984 and The Secret of Annexe 3.
6. Do you have an e-reader? Um, does the iBooks feature on my old iPod count?
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or do you tend to read several at once? I used to enjoy reading several at once (like when I was reading all the original Nancy Drew books, checked out 3 at a time, and was known to read 1 chapter of each, then the 2nd chapter of each, etc. It only lasted for about 3 chapters until I became confused...). Now I tend to stick with one at a time.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? No, no, I don't think so.
9. What was your least favourite book this year? (I'm counting this school year, including Summer 2013) Least favourite, huh? I can't even remember what I've read so far. Let me consult my list... The Sea of Trolls. I don't like to be mean to books, but I really didn't enjoy that book...
10. What was your FAVOURITE book this year? I can't just pick one! Of the school year, probably The Gideon Trilogy, followed by The Leviathan Trilogy. Of 2014, Incarceron. (Actually, I can't remember if that was 2014 or not. Oops.)
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? Not often. I don't take risks, thanks.
12. What is your reading comfort zone? Action/Adventure, Steampunk, a little bit of historical fiction, classics.
13. Can you read in the car? Sadly, no. I used to be able to, when I was young ("and unafraid...and dreams were made and used and wasted..."), but no longer.
14. Where is your favourite place to read? In my bedroom or hiding in the guest bedroom downstairs.
15. What is your policy on book-lending? The book should return to me looking exactly the way I loaned it to you...
16. Do you ever dog-ear in books? I used to, when I was young and foolish. (I still am young and foolish, but I think I'm improving! At least, I hope so!)
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Only my Bible.
18. What about text books? No! That would lower the resale value!
19. What is your favourite language to read in? Seeing as I am not bilingual, English.
20. What makes you love a book? Adorable characters that become either my best friends or my dream guy, that I can't help but gush over to my mom, whose lives entwine with mine so hard that I'm not a whole person until I finish reading the book.
21. What would inspire you to recommend a book? I must love it with few reservations.
22. What is your favourite genre? In the past it has probably been historical fiction, action/adventure, or fantasy, but I'm into steampunk now (though it's hardish to find appropriate steampunk novels sometimes).
23. What is a genre you rarely read but wish that you did? Biographies. I need to venture into the non-fictions section... #maybesomeday
24. Favourite biography? See #23. But I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love Fatal Purity once I get a chance to read it.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book? Are there self-help books on how to read self-help books without getting bored?
26. Favourite cookbook? Are there cookbooks that tell you how to microwave food?
27. What is the most inspirational book you have read this year? Not sure, and I'm to tired to consult The List.
28. Favourite reading snack? Anything. Well, anything that I would normally eat. Preferably not to messy though.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience. Ummm.. not sure actually.
44. What is your favourite film adaptation of a novel? Lord of the Rings, A Tale of Two Cities, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the Horatio Hornblower series.
45. What is the most disappointing film adaptation? I might say The Hobbit if I wasn't frightened of the picketing that would occur if I said so.
46. What is the most money you have spent in a bookstore at one go? Ermph... maybe $12.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it? I just read half of the cover synopsis.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway through? Muchos inappropriateness, muchos swear words, boringness, and exceptionally anti-Christian views.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized? Somewhat.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you're done with them? If I loved them, I keep them. If I don't, they are either sold or donated.
51. Are there any books you've been avoiding? Überly popular novels/series/books/things.
52. Name a book that made you angry. Sapphique because *SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER* Jared and Claudia didn't end up together! WHYWHYWHYWHYWHY... it hurts... :(
53. A book you didn't expect to like, but did? Cry, the Beloved Country. What a beautiful and unique story. And The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen. I was prejudiced against that book because it had won an award (and somehow whenever I tried to read books with golden and silver awards stuck on their covers, I always found them boring). But my dad thought it looked interesting, so I started reading it for his sake, and then completely loved it. My mom read it too!
54. How about a book you expected to like, but didn't? Hmmm. Ummm... I have to think about this one.
55. Favourite guilt-free pleasure reading? Guilt-free, huh? Is it natural to feel guilty about reading? Well, any of my well-loved favorites, really. Narnia, LotR, etc.
***Sorry!***
I found this post on miss Arda Nessimava's blog post, "an awful lot of bookish questions"... (check our her answers - they're genius!)
Here are my answers... (though not so hilarious or brilliant)
1. Your favourite book as a child? The Chronicles of Narnia... read to me when I was nine years old... forever since been my inspiration.
2. What are you reading right now? 1984 for educational purposes. I was feeling inferior because I'd only read 21 of the BBC list of 100 books that supposedly most people have not read (but should read).
3. What books do you have on request at the library? Zero, because I'm not sure how to request books. (lame, I know)
4. Bad book habit. Feeling nervous that something awful is going to happen to the main characters, and glancing down at the bottom right-hand corner of the page just to make sure everyone is going to be okay. I just can't handle the suspense... pretty sure it's not healthy!
5. What do you currently have checked out from your library? 1984 and The Secret of Annexe 3.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or do you tend to read several at once? I used to enjoy reading several at once (like when I was reading all the original Nancy Drew books, checked out 3 at a time, and was known to read 1 chapter of each, then the 2nd chapter of each, etc. It only lasted for about 3 chapters until I became confused...). Now I tend to stick with one at a time.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? No, no, I don't think so.
9. What was your least favourite book this year? (I'm counting this school year, including Summer 2013) Least favourite, huh? I can't even remember what I've read so far. Let me consult my list... The Sea of Trolls. I don't like to be mean to books, but I really didn't enjoy that book...
10. What was your FAVOURITE book this year? I can't just pick one! Of the school year, probably The Gideon Trilogy, followed by The Leviathan Trilogy. Of 2014, Incarceron. (Actually, I can't remember if that was 2014 or not. Oops.)
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? Not often. I don't take risks, thanks.
12. What is your reading comfort zone? Action/Adventure, Steampunk, a little bit of historical fiction, classics.
13. Can you read in the car? Sadly, no. I used to be able to, when I was young ("and unafraid...and dreams were made and used and wasted..."), but no longer.
14. Where is your favourite place to read? In my bedroom or hiding in the guest bedroom downstairs.
15. What is your policy on book-lending? The book should return to me looking exactly the way I loaned it to you...
16. Do you ever dog-ear in books? I used to, when I was young and foolish. (I still am young and foolish, but I think I'm improving! At least, I hope so!)
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Only my Bible.
18. What about text books? No! That would lower the resale value!
20. What makes you love a book? Adorable characters that become either my best friends or my dream guy, that I can't help but gush over to my mom, whose lives entwine with mine so hard that I'm not a whole person until I finish reading the book.
21. What would inspire you to recommend a book? I must love it with few reservations.
22. What is your favourite genre? In the past it has probably been historical fiction, action/adventure, or fantasy, but I'm into steampunk now (though it's hardish to find appropriate steampunk novels sometimes).
24. Favourite biography? See #23. But I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love Fatal Purity once I get a chance to read it.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book? Are there self-help books on how to read self-help books without getting bored?
26. Favourite cookbook? Are there cookbooks that tell you how to microwave food?
28. Favourite reading snack? Anything. Well, anything that I would normally eat. Preferably not to messy though.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience. Ummm.. not sure actually.
.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book? I dunno. I don't really read reviews (except Amazon reviews).
31. How do you feel about giving negative reviews? I get upset when people bash the books I love. :(
32. If you could read a foreign language, which would you choose? French! #lesmis
33. What was the most intimidating book you've ever read? Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.
34. What is the most intimidating book you're too nervous to begin? The Count of Monte Cristo, also by our dear friend Victor H.
35. Who is your favourite poet? I don't read poetry of my own free will.
36. On average, how many books do you have checked out of the library at any given time? 3
37. How often do you return books to the library unread? 30-50%, sadly.
38. Who are your favourite fictional characters? Ummm... Sir Percy (SP) Sydney Carton (ATOTC...and my hero) Gideon Seymour (Gideon Trilogy), Petroc from Tales of Karensa, Jared & Kiero (Incarceron), Alex (Alex Rider series), Yassen G. (Russian Roulette)... *glancing around at bookshelves* Michael Henshaw (Mayor of Casterbridge... what a heartbreaking guy... *sniffle* and sometimes you just wanna smack him upside the head and tell him to get his act together... *cries*), King Tirian (Narnia), Boromir, Faramir, Frodo & Sam (LotR)... erm... I think that's all for now.
39. Who is your favourite fictional villain? Um...
40. What are the books you are most likely to take on vacation? An old friend I haven't read in ages, or a new book I've bought (or been given) that I haven't had time for.
41. What is the longest you have gone without reading? Probably 6 months to possibly a year (terrible, I know. I was in a very illiterate place for a while, before a library rekindled my love of books and caused me to check out 6+ books at a time).
42. Name a book that you could not or would not finish. The Inkheart Trilogy. When you're 12, some of the words in the book are traumatizing.
43. What distracts you easily when you're reading? People talking.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book? I dunno. I don't really read reviews (except Amazon reviews).
31. How do you feel about giving negative reviews? I get upset when people bash the books I love. :(
32. If you could read a foreign language, which would you choose? French! #lesmis
33. What was the most intimidating book you've ever read? Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.
34. What is the most intimidating book you're too nervous to begin? The Count of Monte Cristo, also by our dear friend Victor H.
35. Who is your favourite poet? I don't read poetry of my own free will.
36. On average, how many books do you have checked out of the library at any given time? 3
37. How often do you return books to the library unread? 30-50%, sadly.
40. What are the books you are most likely to take on vacation? An old friend I haven't read in ages, or a new book I've bought (or been given) that I haven't had time for.
41. What is the longest you have gone without reading? Probably 6 months to possibly a year (terrible, I know. I was in a very illiterate place for a while, before a library rekindled my love of books and caused me to check out 6+ books at a time).
42. Name a book that you could not or would not finish. The Inkheart Trilogy. When you're 12, some of the words in the book are traumatizing.
43. What distracts you easily when you're reading? People talking.
44. What is your favourite film adaptation of a novel? Lord of the Rings, A Tale of Two Cities, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the Horatio Hornblower series.
45. What is the most disappointing film adaptation? I might say The Hobbit if I wasn't frightened of the picketing that would occur if I said so.
46. What is the most money you have spent in a bookstore at one go? Ermph... maybe $12.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway through? Muchos inappropriateness, muchos swear words, boringness, and exceptionally anti-Christian views.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized? Somewhat.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you're done with them? If I loved them, I keep them. If I don't, they are either sold or donated.
51. Are there any books you've been avoiding? Überly popular novels/series/books/things.
52. Name a book that made you angry. Sapphique because *SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER* Jared and Claudia didn't end up together! WHYWHYWHYWHYWHY... it hurts... :(
53. A book you didn't expect to like, but did? Cry, the Beloved Country. What a beautiful and unique story. And The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen. I was prejudiced against that book because it had won an award (and somehow whenever I tried to read books with golden and silver awards stuck on their covers, I always found them boring). But my dad thought it looked interesting, so I started reading it for his sake, and then completely loved it. My mom read it too!
54. How about a book you expected to like, but didn't? Hmmm. Ummm... I have to think about this one.
55. Favourite guilt-free pleasure reading? Guilt-free, huh? Is it natural to feel guilty about reading? Well, any of my well-loved favorites, really. Narnia, LotR, etc.
Whew!!! This quiz was very fun, but an epic in itself! Time for bed now...
"Klarabelle"
Sunday, 1 February 2015
#Tagged
I was tagged by the wonderful Erin Kenobi of The Upstairs Archives!
The Authorly Bucket List Tag - list 3-7 things you are not good at, and 3-7 things you'd like to try.
Things I'm Not Very Good At
1. Guy characters who are manly. For some reason I want to make all my guy characters adorable, sensitive, cuddly, and sweet-tempered. Oh, and did I mention my guy characters are also terribly romantic? Definitely the flowers-and-homemade-cards-and-handwritten-love-letters type.
2. Culture. I take a lot of inspiration from the 1800's and medieval times for my writings, but I want to be able to create entire cultures, societies, and worlds with my words. I want my readers to feel like they are in an entirely different place that only hints of what they know... not a cardboard copy of, for example, medieval England with a magician and a couple dragons thrown in.
3. Fighting/battle scenes. I take a lot of what I know from movies, but I think I could improve. Maybe I could actually... research. DUNDUNDUN...
Things I Want To Try
1. Steampunk. I kind of adore this genre; it's my latest obsession. I'd love to write in this genre - my only fear is that its elements are too technical for me. I mean, I'd have to describe (and invent) mechanical contraptions!
2. Fanfiction. I love reading fanfic, and I feel that there is just not enough decent fanfic out there! My favorite fandoms is Once Upon A Time. I have written a fluff fanfic for Rumbelle, but I'd like to write a deeper one!
3. I'm genuinely stumped right now. Um... how about another children's book. I have quite a few ideas, but I haven't touched them in years.
I'm feeling the minimalism tonight, so I'm going to stop at 6. :)
I tag my fellow author (and fellow Kara)... at Saved By Grace and anyone else who feels inclined to "tag" along! ;)
-- Klara S.
The Authorly Bucket List Tag - list 3-7 things you are not good at, and 3-7 things you'd like to try.
Things I'm Not Very Good At
1. Guy characters who are manly. For some reason I want to make all my guy characters adorable, sensitive, cuddly, and sweet-tempered. Oh, and did I mention my guy characters are also terribly romantic? Definitely the flowers-and-homemade-cards-and-handwritten-love-letters type.
2. Culture. I take a lot of inspiration from the 1800's and medieval times for my writings, but I want to be able to create entire cultures, societies, and worlds with my words. I want my readers to feel like they are in an entirely different place that only hints of what they know... not a cardboard copy of, for example, medieval England with a magician and a couple dragons thrown in.
3. Fighting/battle scenes. I take a lot of what I know from movies, but I think I could improve. Maybe I could actually... research. DUNDUNDUN...
Things I Want To Try
1. Steampunk. I kind of adore this genre; it's my latest obsession. I'd love to write in this genre - my only fear is that its elements are too technical for me. I mean, I'd have to describe (and invent) mechanical contraptions!
2. Fanfiction. I love reading fanfic, and I feel that there is just not enough decent fanfic out there! My favorite fandoms is Once Upon A Time. I have written a fluff fanfic for Rumbelle, but I'd like to write a deeper one!
3. I'm genuinely stumped right now. Um... how about another children's book. I have quite a few ideas, but I haven't touched them in years.
I'm feeling the minimalism tonight, so I'm going to stop at 6. :)
I tag my fellow author (and fellow Kara)... at Saved By Grace and anyone else who feels inclined to "tag" along! ;)
-- Klara S.
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Top 2 Worst Clichés
[source]
Ok, so I know it's pretty much impossible to be entirely original. After all, the wisest man who ever lived (besides Jesus) said, "...there is no new thing under the sun." (Ecc 1:9) But please, I beg of you, my fellow writers... avoid the cliches of writing. Avoid the easy descriptions and the already-written plot twists and storylines. Be yourself. Write something new.
And in conjunction with this plea, I will now share with you my rant... The top 2 worst clichés (in my humble and probably unwanted opinion :D). (Btw, a cliché is "a phrase or opinion [or in this case a storyline / idea] that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought". Source)
Cliché #1 - Main Character has a happy, normal life. Then he/she discovers he or she is adopted. His or her entire world is turned upside-down, and he or she goes on a search to find his or her "real" parents.
*facepalm* So, there is a time and place for this cliché, but whenever I see it used, it always hits rather close to home. I'm adopted, and I believe that my adoptive parents, who have raised me for nearly all of my life, ARE my "real" parents. My biological parents, though I do not know them, are and always will be very special to me, and I love them. But simply because my adoptive mom didn't give birth to me does not make my mom not "real". If you decide to use the Adoption Cliché, I would request that you please be very careful about how you use the word "real".
Cliché #2 - MC (in this example, a girl, cuz I'm getting tired of saying he or she) meets a cute guy. Then a pretty girl runs up and hugs or kisses the cute guy, and the MC becomes sad and dejected. When she finally confronts the cute guy, he reveals that the beautiful girl is his sister.
I don't really have anything personal against this cliché, only that it's a cliché - maybe it's just my choice of books, but the last two books I read BOTH had this cliché. Basically I'm suspicious now whenever a pretty girl comes along. I'm like, "She's his sister, right?"
Anyway, there's my mini-rant. :) What are your least-favorite clichés?
-- Klara S.
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Feeling a Wee Bit Accomplished
Each tab represents an accomplishment.
Not a huge accomplishment.
Just a little one.
Let me explain.
Today I was visiting some of my old book friends and felt the urge to type up some handwritten story scenes. (Yes, I do handwrite a fair portion of my stories, depending on the book.) My story excerpts share the same notebook as my personal journal, book ideas, and miscellaneous notes, so it can be quite a chore to find the scenes when it's actually time to type them up. After a few years of battling this conundrum, I decided to place a colorful sticky tabs on each page that needed to be typed up (and, of course, remove the tab once the said scene is typed up). The system works fairly well, so today I was able to type up several scenes... and that is why each tab on the computer screen represents a tiny accomplishment. Each tab means one more scene has been typed up and is ready to be added to the official manuscript when convenient.
Why am I sharing this with you?
Because I am lame and don't have much to say.
Sincerely,
Klara C.
Thursday, 22 August 2013
You Know You're An Author When... & A Writing Exercise
You *finally* make yourself a signature... but you have so much fun making the signature that you want to make signatures for all your characters, too!
Mine:
Mine:
Theirs... (instead of "His" and "Hers" it's "Mine" and "Theirs"...)
Terence's...
Jay's...
H's...
A Writing Exercise
Study the three signatures above and attempt to describe (or guess) a character's personality from studying his signature. You could take a moment to form your ideas in your mind, before writing them out on paper (or even better, write them out in a blog comment! *hint-hint*).
All righty, have you finished your descriptions? My answers are below. Highlight the following three paragraphs with your mouse to see the answers.
To me, the top signature (not mine), "Terence C.", makes me think of someone who is somewhat orderly and rule-oriented, although he can be playful at time, judging by the "star" at the end of his initial.
Jaydrian does not seem to place much labor upon making his signature perfect, which might indicate that penmanship, and perhaps the arts, are not important to him. On the other hand, it could also imply that he writes so much that he doesn't have time to worry about the neatness of his handwriting. ;)
Haydrian has been raised and educated well. He has learned penmanship, probably from a young age, and has perfected his craft. His signature is fancy and carefully written, but probably more out of habit than out of genuine desire.
Anyway, those are my thoughts on the three signatures. Since the guys are my characters I admit I have a bit of an advantage. :p But feel free to do this writing exercise on your blog, with your own characters, too! :) Please comment and let me know so I can come visit and make guesses about your characters. ;)
As an FYI, the signature maker I used was MyLiveSignature.
Looking forward to reading your thoughts!
Friday, 5 July 2013
Hold My Hand & We're Halfway There
Okay, actually... I'm more than "halfway there". But I just wanted an excuse to randomly quote West Side Story. Moving on...
146/150! I'm not sure what that fraction reduces down to, but for me, it means: almost done! "Almost done with what?" you ask. Well, in my last post I mentioned writing again after a somewhat length break. I technically wasn't writing so much as I was editing. You've probably guessed by now that I'm editing the 100+ pg. novel snowed - I mean showed - in the photo above. If so, you guessed correctly.
This is my second or third time through, but since I first began editing the story (the day after I finished it, actually), I like to believe (or at least hope) that my writing and editing skills have improved. ;) I'm constantly making more changes to the manuscript. I know that I am no where near being finished, but I was inspired to work on it recently because I asked a friend's advice on the first few chapters, and I figured I should look over the book again before sending it out. Also, I hope to self-publish this book in a couple years, so I need to start working on it once more!
Anyway, enough rambling. I just wanted to share my delight with you all... :p
Now, tell me: how is YOUR writing / editing life faring? Have you written anything new lately? Do tell!
(photo editing with help of Picmonkey)
146/150! I'm not sure what that fraction reduces down to, but for me, it means: almost done! "Almost done with what?" you ask. Well, in my last post I mentioned writing again after a somewhat length break. I technically wasn't writing so much as I was editing. You've probably guessed by now that I'm editing the 100+ pg. novel snowed - I mean showed - in the photo above. If so, you guessed correctly.
This is my second or third time through, but since I first began editing the story (the day after I finished it, actually), I like to believe (or at least hope) that my writing and editing skills have improved. ;) I'm constantly making more changes to the manuscript. I know that I am no where near being finished, but I was inspired to work on it recently because I asked a friend's advice on the first few chapters, and I figured I should look over the book again before sending it out. Also, I hope to self-publish this book in a couple years, so I need to start working on it once more!
Anyway, enough rambling. I just wanted to share my delight with you all... :p
Now, tell me: how is YOUR writing / editing life faring? Have you written anything new lately? Do tell!
Friday, 28 June 2013
hello writing
It's been a while since I've visited.
{source}
The school year was wonderful but insanely busy, and summer has been going by almost as fast. Yet over the past few days, I've been able to visit an old friend. It's been a while since we've had time to settle in for a nice chat and a cup of tea, yet we can pick up as if we've never been parted. I've poured many ours of my life into this friend, and it feels like home to return to our old conversations and visit our old haunts.
"It's about time you came back," he says, with something of a smirk on his face.
"I would've come back sooner if you hadn't given me the 'silent treatment'," I say with a good-natured laugh.
"Perhaps wouldn't have given you the 'silent treatment' if you had given me the attention I deserved," he says. The light in his eyes gives away the fact that he is only joking. We both know that he is terrible at lying, and that we both know each other so well there is no way we would ever be able to deceive the other. "I'm glad you're back," he adds.
"Me too," I agree.
I will never agree that this, um, *interesting* person is only a Word document on my computer. This person - this book - is not a figment of imagination... he has been (and will probably continue to be) my main writing project for the past few years, and I believe he is real in his own way...
Hello, summer. Hello, novels! Hello, writing!
{source}
Happy writing!
Klara S.
Sunday, 12 May 2013
Before I Get My Hands On It...
10 Quick Grammar Tips:)
1. There are 3 main ways to write dialogue, tagged with the phrase, "so-and-so said", "so-and-so yelled", etc.
"I can't believe that just happened!" Claire exclaimed.
"What are you talking about?" Jenny demanded.
"I don't know," Claire admitted.
There's the exclamation mark, the question mark, and then...a comma? Yes, that's right, a comma. How often, in published books, do you see this?
"I don't know." Claire said.
That's because if you're going to tag the quoted phrase with a "so-and-so said", then you don't need to put a period at the end of your quote. Instead, put a comma... "I don't know," Claire said.
2. It's hard to remember the difference between "its" and "it's". :) But try and remind yourself of the reason that "it's" is a contraction. It's because "it's" is two words. "It is". So if you can't figure out what to use, just try out "it is" in your sentence. For example, "It's alive!" or "Its alive?" Is it also grammatically correct to say, "It is alive"? If so, you should use "it's" (a contraction). Use "its" when using a more possessive form, such as, "The dog bit its tail." The tail belongs to the dog. You wouldn't say, "The dog bit it is tail."
3. You can use the same methods with "Who's" and "Whose". Just try saying the sentence using "Who is", and see if it fits. If not, use "Whose". If so, use "Who's".
4. You use an "apostrophe, s" if something belongs to someone.
Example: Rachel's guitar
However you would not say, "Rachel's two guitar's", because you're not talking about anything that belongs to the guitars. You would simply say, "Rachel's two guitars". (And for the record, you would also not say "guitar's", you would say "guitar's"...)
5. Don't forget to make and indent your paragraphs!
6. To capitalize or not to capitalize...
If the word (example: "sonny") can be replaced with a proper name (example: "John"), then capitalize the word ("sonny").
"What are you doing there, sonny?"
Try it!
"What are you doing there, John?" works, so capitalize "sonny".
"Look at my dad!"
Try it!
"Look at my John!"
That does NOT work. In that case, then, do not capitalize "dad".
7. This something I learned recently... don't change tenses in the middle of a sentence!
8. Something ELSE I just learned... Comma and, a semicolon, and two complete sentences can all serve the same purpose. Sound confusing? Here's a handy example.
I don't like ice cream; I don't like cookies.
I don't like ice cream, and I don't like cookies.
I don't like ice cream. I don't like cookies.
All of the above should be correct. "I don't like ice cream" and "I don't like cookies" are complete sentences, so they can be separated by a semicolon, a comma and, or, they can be made into two sentences. However, you CANNOT have ONLY an "and". You must have a "comma/and"!
9. "There's" means "there is". "Is" can only refer to one object. "There's Tony!"
"There's potatoes" is not correct. One should say, "There are potatoes" because potatoes are plural. I don't actually see this mistake in books very often, but it's very common in every day speech! I'm trying to use correct grammar when I talk, but I still make many mistakes!
10. Okay, I need to think of another one...
If you change the subject or the person talking , you need to make a new paragraph. Example...
"Where are we?" I wondered.
"I don't know," Anna replied.
or
I don't like potatoes, whether they be mashed, boiled, fried, or turned into French fries. My friends think I'm insane, but I enjoy my potato-free life.
I also do not like calculators...
There you go - ten handy grammar tips! :) If you have any questions, please ask!
(By the way, I love French fries and potatoes. I also am very thankful for my calculator).
-- Klara C.
If the word (example: "sonny") can be replaced with a proper name (example: "John"), then capitalize the word ("sonny").
"What are you doing there, sonny?"
Try it!
"What are you doing there, John?" works, so capitalize "sonny".
"Look at my dad!"
Try it!
"Look at my John!"
That does NOT work. In that case, then, do not capitalize "dad".
7. This something I learned recently... don't change tenses in the middle of a sentence!
8. Something ELSE I just learned... Comma and, a semicolon, and two complete sentences can all serve the same purpose. Sound confusing? Here's a handy example.
I don't like ice cream; I don't like cookies.
I don't like ice cream, and I don't like cookies.
I don't like ice cream. I don't like cookies.
All of the above should be correct. "I don't like ice cream" and "I don't like cookies" are complete sentences, so they can be separated by a semicolon, a comma and, or, they can be made into two sentences. However, you CANNOT have ONLY an "and". You must have a "comma/and"!
9. "There's" means "there is". "Is" can only refer to one object. "There's Tony!"
"There's potatoes" is not correct. One should say, "There are potatoes" because potatoes are plural. I don't actually see this mistake in books very often, but it's very common in every day speech! I'm trying to use correct grammar when I talk, but I still make many mistakes!
10. Okay, I need to think of another one...
If you change the subject or the person talking , you need to make a new paragraph. Example...
"Where are we?" I wondered.
"I don't know," Anna replied.
or
I don't like potatoes, whether they be mashed, boiled, fried, or turned into French fries. My friends think I'm insane, but I enjoy my potato-free life.
I also do not like calculators...
There you go - ten handy grammar tips! :) If you have any questions, please ask!
(By the way, I love French fries and potatoes. I also am very thankful for my calculator).
-- Klara C.
Friday, 12 April 2013
Blog button!
I asked Britt at Designed to Inspire to design a blog button for the blog... check it out on my sidebar! :) Lovely! Thanks so much, Britt!
Sunday, 31 March 2013
You're probably an author if...
(Here are some of mine)
# Upon receiving a new computer, you proceed to add all your character's names to the computer's dictionary.
# You carry a notebook (or an iPod) so that you can write down quotes, notes, sayings, and ideas as soon as they come to you.
#You feel weird if you don't have the said notebook with you.
# You see something that would make one of your characters smile or laugh. You laugh for them. When your friends ask why you are laughing (or smiling), you respond, "It's an inside joke."
# Sniggering about something book-related makes you feel as if you have inside jokes with yourself... or rather, your characters.
# You try to draw your characters, even if you are not an artist.
# Then you become embarrassed and hide the evidence.
# You listen to a song and think, "That makes me think of so-and-so!" (character's names)
# You give yourself a valentine addressed to yourself, from your novel's tall, dark and handsome romantic interest.
What are some of yours?
Klara C.
Disclaimer: Please don't think I'm saying you are not an author if you haven't done these things, or they don't apply to you. That's okay, every author is unique! This post is based off / inspired by those "You're Probably Obsessed With ________ [insert name of book or movie here] if..." posts.
# Upon receiving a new computer, you proceed to add all your character's names to the computer's dictionary.
# You carry a notebook (or an iPod) so that you can write down quotes, notes, sayings, and ideas as soon as they come to you.
#You feel weird if you don't have the said notebook with you.
# You see something that would make one of your characters smile or laugh. You laugh for them. When your friends ask why you are laughing (or smiling), you respond, "It's an inside joke."
# Sniggering about something book-related makes you feel as if you have inside jokes with yourself... or rather, your characters.
# You try to draw your characters, even if you are not an artist.
# Then you become embarrassed and hide the evidence.
# You listen to a song and think, "That makes me think of so-and-so!" (character's names)
# You give yourself a valentine addressed to yourself, from your novel's tall, dark and handsome romantic interest.
What are some of yours?
Klara C.
Disclaimer: Please don't think I'm saying you are not an author if you haven't done these things, or they don't apply to you. That's okay, every author is unique! This post is based off / inspired by those "You're Probably Obsessed With ________ [insert name of book or movie here] if..." posts.
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Un-Inspiration
noun... meaning: lack of inspiration; the act of being uninspired. Without... "stimulation", according to the dictionary.
Writing used to seem so simple. I would type as the ideas flowed from my head, heedless of grammar mistakes or lack of character development, ignorant of climaxes or passive vs. active writing. It seemed as if the ideas came unbidden and uncalled, but welcome nonetheless, inviting themselves into my writing and taking shape, almost of their own accord. I never bothered to edit my stories, and became offended when anyone attempted to help me.
The characters danced in my head. They called out to me to play with them, to write them. The toys I played with came alive in my stories; they allowed me to give them voices and personalities, and give them a world to live in.
Now things have changed. Thankfully, learned to accept and even invite and request "constructive criticism". I allow myself to be critical of my own writing because I know that's the only way I will be able to make it better. I am self-conscious of my grammar, but I enjoy figuring out how to say something in a grammatically correct manner. I attempt to use active voice ("Looking around, her eyes glanced around the room before judging it safe.") instead of passive voice ("She was frightened. She wasn't sure what to do..."). I edit my books multiple times, sometimes disallowing readers until I at least have a first draft whose writing isn't too unbearable or embarrassing.
But my characters are still with me. I may not find inspiration from my toys anymore, but the characters still come calling. I admire someone in a movie; suddenly the character on the screen, mixed with other personalities and qualities, remakes himself as someone who can become my own, someone I can mold and shape. Or, a gentleman in a book snatches at my heart and inspires me to make a character who is similar, yet can stand on his own two feet.
Several a months ago, they vanished.
In the past I have been blessed with writing which, for the most part, remained writer's-block-free. Around November / December 2012, my writing became silent. My characters still existed on my pages and in my mind, but I couldn't seem to write like I used to. I managed to type out a few scenes and here and there, but I felt lifeless and completely uninspired.
Slowly, I am grateful to tell you, they are returning. Like the prodigal son on his long journey home, the characters are trickling back in, smiling and laughing with me just like they used to. I am so happy to see them all again... I missed them. :)
So, why am I bothering to tell you all this? Maybe it helps me to type out my thoughts. Maybe you've gone through a trying case of writer's block, or you're experiencing a lack of inspiration right now. Maybe I thought I'd attempt to write something deep, and this post was the result.
I just want to tell you, please don't give up! :) I know that writing isn't always easy. Characters aren't always cooperative. :) Sometimes the words just won't come. That's okay; it's a process. You might work for years on a book and eventually abandon it. That's okay; you learned something through writing. Even if a book or story is never published or never finished, the writing of it has most likely helped you in one way or another, weather you realize it or not. Maybe you've decided writing "isn't for you". That's okay, not everyone enjoys writing... but please don't ever feel afraid to pick up the pen (or the computer) if you ever feel the urge to write once more.
And yes, I am aware I sound a bit crazed in this post... believe me, it's figurative. I know my characters don't physically knock on my door and come in for a tea party. :) And if I sound a bit down, don't worry about me... I'm listening to melancholy music and trying to sound like a smart-fart, that's all. :)
How is your writing faring?
Sincera,
Klara
Writing used to seem so simple. I would type as the ideas flowed from my head, heedless of grammar mistakes or lack of character development, ignorant of climaxes or passive vs. active writing. It seemed as if the ideas came unbidden and uncalled, but welcome nonetheless, inviting themselves into my writing and taking shape, almost of their own accord. I never bothered to edit my stories, and became offended when anyone attempted to help me.
The characters danced in my head. They called out to me to play with them, to write them. The toys I played with came alive in my stories; they allowed me to give them voices and personalities, and give them a world to live in.
Now things have changed. Thankfully, learned to accept and even invite and request "constructive criticism". I allow myself to be critical of my own writing because I know that's the only way I will be able to make it better. I am self-conscious of my grammar, but I enjoy figuring out how to say something in a grammatically correct manner. I attempt to use active voice ("Looking around, her eyes glanced around the room before judging it safe.") instead of passive voice ("She was frightened. She wasn't sure what to do..."). I edit my books multiple times, sometimes disallowing readers until I at least have a first draft whose writing isn't too unbearable or embarrassing.
But my characters are still with me. I may not find inspiration from my toys anymore, but the characters still come calling. I admire someone in a movie; suddenly the character on the screen, mixed with other personalities and qualities, remakes himself as someone who can become my own, someone I can mold and shape. Or, a gentleman in a book snatches at my heart and inspires me to make a character who is similar, yet can stand on his own two feet.
Several a months ago, they vanished.
In the past I have been blessed with writing which, for the most part, remained writer's-block-free. Around November / December 2012, my writing became silent. My characters still existed on my pages and in my mind, but I couldn't seem to write like I used to. I managed to type out a few scenes and here and there, but I felt lifeless and completely uninspired.
Slowly, I am grateful to tell you, they are returning. Like the prodigal son on his long journey home, the characters are trickling back in, smiling and laughing with me just like they used to. I am so happy to see them all again... I missed them. :)
So, why am I bothering to tell you all this? Maybe it helps me to type out my thoughts. Maybe you've gone through a trying case of writer's block, or you're experiencing a lack of inspiration right now. Maybe I thought I'd attempt to write something deep, and this post was the result.
I just want to tell you, please don't give up! :) I know that writing isn't always easy. Characters aren't always cooperative. :) Sometimes the words just won't come. That's okay; it's a process. You might work for years on a book and eventually abandon it. That's okay; you learned something through writing. Even if a book or story is never published or never finished, the writing of it has most likely helped you in one way or another, weather you realize it or not. Maybe you've decided writing "isn't for you". That's okay, not everyone enjoys writing... but please don't ever feel afraid to pick up the pen (or the computer) if you ever feel the urge to write once more.
And yes, I am aware I sound a bit crazed in this post... believe me, it's figurative. I know my characters don't physically knock on my door and come in for a tea party. :) And if I sound a bit down, don't worry about me... I'm listening to melancholy music and trying to sound like a smart-fart, that's all. :)
How is your writing faring?
Sincera,
Klara
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Young Author Interview!
Hey everyone!
I have exciting news for you all today... Lena, author of Hafling Diaries as well as blogger at Love of a Lifetime, graciously allowed me to interview her about her writing! Hope you enjoy! :) (Thanks so much, Lena!)
How did you get the idea for your book, Halfling Diaries? I've had the idea of writing a book about a girl who goes searching for her mother for years, but I never got to thinking about what the full plot would be. I finally picked it back up in November.
When did you start writing your book? I started the idea about two or three years ago, but it never got very far. I picked it back up in November 2012.
How did you get the idea for the title of the book? I had no idea what I would call "Hafling Diaries" until I picked it back up again. When I first started to write it several years ago, I was calling it "Amara's Adventures," but I just wasn't liking that title. So I thought about it a bit more, and "Hafling Diaries" came to mind.
Did you design the cover yourself? :) No, I did not design the cover for "Hafling Diaries." Miss Audrey Graham designed it in a challenge. I'm designing my own cover for "The Fairy Princess."
What age would you recommend for your book? Hm, I'd probably say 13+.
Who is your favorite author? Does his or her writing influence your own writing? I have several favorite authors. I absolutely love Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, Robin Jones Gunn, Jordyn Redwood, and Anne Elisabeth Stengl. It wasn't until after I had been reading several books a while back that I actually started to think about picking up some stories that I had started but never finished.
Do you hope to write more books in the future? Oh, yes! I'm currently working on "The Fairy Princess," which is a story about Angelique, Amara's grandmother. And I've got an idea about another one that has to do with one of the other characters in "Hafling Diaries." I'm also thinking about restarting a book I started and did finish with about three different endings. This one isn't fantasy; it's more general fiction. (The main character is also my pen-name, hint-hint)
How did you get your book published? When I was doing YWP NaNoWriMo this past year, I read that all winners get to have five free paperback copies of their novel and get their novel published at the same time. The offer was from Create Space, a self-publishing and Amazon company. It's also easy to get your novel published on Kindle through Create Space.
Do you have any advice for other writers? When my brother read my book (surprisingly), he had some pretty good advice for me: "Less dialogue and more descriptions of people, places, and things."
How do you deal with writer's block? When it comes to writer's block, just keep thinking and writing. If I get stuck in a scene, I try to think about what's happening and what will happen afterwards. That usually works for me.
Anything you would like to add? :) Originally, I was writing with a pen-name: Fiona R. Darrol. But, I decided to stick to Lena Elizabeth. I've also got ideas for making book covers and other designing challenges of any sort. I've even got one for "The Fairy Princess." It's a merging of two photos I took. I'm really enjoying designing my book covers on the side of writing books.
Thanks so much for the interview, Lena! It was a pleasure to talk with you! I'll be looking forward to your future projects!
-- Klara
Monday, 28 January 2013
Young Author Book Reviews?
I'm trying to figure out how to make this blog more interesting to you all... I am considering writing reviews of books written by young authors. I know of a few friends who have self-published novels... maybe I could write a review of their books, and perhaps include an interview. Would that interest you all? If you have self-published a novel, would you be interested in a review and / or an interview?
Friday, 30 November 2012
The Very Last Writer's Confession! : )
Wow, it's November 30th already? : ) Nano writers, how are your novels doing? Are you finished already? heehee
Well, it's time for the very last writer's confession!
Drumroll, please!
I am obsessed just as much with my handwriting as my story itself.
- Kaylin S.
I must say, the confessor of this comment has completely amazing handwriting. When she writes letters, her handwriting looks like it was typed on a computer! So, I don't think she has anything to worry about. : ) But I know the feeling! I am annoyed when my handwriting doesn't look uniform...
Thanks for all the confessions, everyone! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
-- Klara C.
Monday, 19 November 2012
Writer's Confession #2
I was visiting the blogosphere once more when I realized I'd better hurry and put up the next confession before the month of November is - gasp - OVER!!!
This one's from Madeline!
Writer's confession: I have a hard time picking out names for the ''cute'' guys, because I know if I ever become famous and have my stories leaked out, there will be somebody I know with that name; and I don't want them to think I really like them or anything.
Haha, I know what you mean, dear. Once I gave a, um, somewhat attractive guy character a name, and then met someone with that same name! It was kind of embarrassing, even though the person didn't know about my character (and the character didn't know about the person).
Finding the perfect name for a character can be tough anyway! One way I (attention! Warning! Bonus piece of advice coming up!) try to find names for characters - especially the guys (it can be so hard to find the perfect name for them!) is to use names I'm familiar with (or names that belong to someone I know...), but change the spellings (usually to a less-used version)... Andrea to Andria, Emily to Emaleigh (or Emalee...or Emali... there are so many ways of spelling Emily :)), Henry to Henri (would that be the French version? :)), etc. Anyway, you can figure out some cool names of your own, if you feel so inclined. :)
Thanks for sharing (well, confessing! :)), Madeline! :)
Klara C.
(I give up on the signature thing...for now...).
This one's from Madeline!
Writer's confession: I have a hard time picking out names for the ''cute'' guys, because I know if I ever become famous and have my stories leaked out, there will be somebody I know with that name; and I don't want them to think I really like them or anything.
Haha, I know what you mean, dear. Once I gave a, um, somewhat attractive guy character a name, and then met someone with that same name! It was kind of embarrassing, even though the person didn't know about my character (and the character didn't know about the person).
Finding the perfect name for a character can be tough anyway! One way I (attention! Warning! Bonus piece of advice coming up!) try to find names for characters - especially the guys (it can be so hard to find the perfect name for them!) is to use names I'm familiar with (or names that belong to someone I know...), but change the spellings (usually to a less-used version)... Andrea to Andria, Emily to Emaleigh (or Emalee...or Emali... there are so many ways of spelling Emily :)), Henry to Henri (would that be the French version? :)), etc. Anyway, you can figure out some cool names of your own, if you feel so inclined. :)
Thanks for sharing (well, confessing! :)), Madeline! :)
Klara C.
(I give up on the signature thing...for now...).
Monday, 12 November 2012
A Writer's Confession #1
Ok, so you don't get one for every day of November because I don't have 30 to share with you. : ) Maybe next year!
Here's the first one, from Addie O.!!!
I carry on conversations with my characters. I will have serious conversations about their goals, aspirations, pet peeves, etc. I also get into arguments with them when they are being rebellious.
Thanks, Addie! I totally know what you mean... I "talk" to my characters too!
How's life and / or NanoWrimo going, everyone>
On the other hand, as an update to this post on my other blog... I have read a book!!!
I attempted to make a signature. Thoughts?
I attempted to make a signature. Thoughts?
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Yo Necesito Writers' Confessions
Heyy!
As I was riding in the car the other day, I had the idea to post Writers' Confessions in here - one for every month of November! Once I looked up the phrase on the internet, I realized I hadn't come up with anything new and exciting... but, I thought I'd try it out all the same. That way, we all can celebrate National Novel Writing Month...even though I'm not doing NanoWriMo! :)
So, what's a Writer's Confession? (I can't decide where to put the apostrophe...am I talking about writers plural, or writer singular? Guess it depends on how many people send in their submissions!) A confession might be something like, "I find myself in love with my main characters. Frequently." That one's awkward, but it was the first one I thought of. Sooo...comment below, or e-mail me, and your confession will most likely be posted sometime throughout November!
Also, if you're doing NanoWriMo and would like to guest post, let me know! :)
Happy writing!
-- Klara C.
As I was riding in the car the other day, I had the idea to post Writers' Confessions in here - one for every month of November! Once I looked up the phrase on the internet, I realized I hadn't come up with anything new and exciting... but, I thought I'd try it out all the same. That way, we all can celebrate National Novel Writing Month...even though I'm not doing NanoWriMo! :)
So, what's a Writer's Confession? (I can't decide where to put the apostrophe...am I talking about writers plural, or writer singular? Guess it depends on how many people send in their submissions!) A confession might be something like, "I find myself in love with my main characters. Frequently." That one's awkward, but it was the first one I thought of. Sooo...comment below, or e-mail me, and your confession will most likely be posted sometime throughout November!
Also, if you're doing NanoWriMo and would like to guest post, let me know! :)
Happy writing!
-- Klara C.
Friday, 19 October 2012
More "Why I's"...
Hey, it's me!!! Posting in my little portion of the humongous writing world. Posting just for YOU, whoever you are!!! I'm feeling particularly creative (in the sense of wordiness...) after being inspired by reading blogs, so I thought I would post for you, the sweet person who chanced (or deliberately visited) my crazy portion of the blogosphere.
I'm glad you stopped by!
When I started blogging over at the other half of the blogosphere, I really didn't know what I was getting in to. But I did know that maybe I could finally type out all the articles I wrote in my head but never wrote down. And here's one of the main thoughts that runs through my head when I talk to writers. It's called, "Why I Decided Not to Go the Mainline Publishing Route" (Lordwilling).
So here you go. I'm typing this out from my head, through my body, to my fingers, onto the keys, onto the screen. And eventually, once I click "publish", and once you click into this blog, onto your screen.
So here we go.
:O
I'm nervous now.
"Why I" #1:
I've enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. For nearly as long as I can remember, I'd also dreamed about publishing a book...publishing a book, that is, someday. I always wrote fiction - crazy, fun, and possibly outlandish tales of alternate worlds that I produced in large, but for the most part unfinished, quantities. When I was nine years old, right before and after moving to England, I wrote mainly about my magical world called Cunburra.
I didn't know there were two ways to publish, but I know now. There's Mainline Publishing, and Self-Publishing. Let me explain.
Mainline Publishing is the one you generally hear about - the publishers that require you to send your beloved story far, far away, only to most likely receive a rejection slip. You tend to hear about writers being rejected over and over again before finally being picked up by a publisher, who agrees to publish their work. Their writing becomes a bestseller, and everyone (publisher, writer, reader) is happy. Yayyy!
Self-Publishing is where the writer pays the publisher to publish the work. The publisher doesn't have to necessarily like their work, or have any particular interest in it. The books are "print on demand", which means when someone orders a book, it's printed and shipped out (instead of, say, 5,000 copies being printed - copies which the author then has to try to sell).
This is the short, un-complicated explanation which may be lacking information you might consider important...and for that I apologise (the British way... the "s" instead of the "z"...). If you care to find out more about the differences between these two publishing methods, feel free to research them out...and let me know what you discover, if you feel so inclined!!! :)
I'd never heard of self-publishing. I'd imagined myself, as an adult, one day publishing my books with one of those mainline publishers. This all changed when, while being treated for cancer in England, I was asked if I had a dream I would liked fulfilled. The charity, Dreams Come True, existed to make the wishes of terminally or seriously ill children, come true. Although many kids requested Disneyland Paris, or swimming with dolphins (both of which are super cool!), I knew I only had one dream, and that was to get my book published.
We'd heard about a self-publisher through a hospital teacher who had become a friend of our family and was using the said publisher to publish her father's book. The publisher agreed to publish my book and even offered to do it for free! : ) That's how my first book, Tales of Cunburra and Other Stories was published. I am sooo thankful for the opportunity! : )
A while after I finished treatment for cancer, and while we were still living in England, I had finished another book (unrelated to Cunburra) which I hoped to have published. Mom and I researched Christian publishers (not self-publishers) and actually sent my story in to one of them. It was not accepted, but it was a good experience for us. At this time I was still learning the process of editing, learning how to write in an active (instead of passive) tense, etc. I continued writing, but we started looking at self-publishing options instead.
I wasn't planning for this to the story of how I got my books published, but that is how it is turning out. :p Well, that's the life of a writer, right? We occasionally end up being surprised by ourselves. :p
The main point I was planning to write in this post were the reasons why I chose not to publish the mainline way. So I guess I'll say them now.
1) I don't write in hopes to become the next bestseller. Although I sometimes dream about my stories becoming famous, being made into movies, etc., many bestsellers tend to be fads that are not based on a Biblical worldview anyway. Also, I don't write to be famous; I write for a different reason...
2) I write to glorify God and hopefully point others to Him. I don't think it's His will for me to mainline publish. I have now found there are even FREE self-publishing options. Many mainline publishers want to know that the author's plan for publicizing their book is. When you're a student (even a homeschooled one! :)), running around the country to market a book generally isn't very synonymous with finishing school. I want to impact those around me with my book(s), and as soon as possible (or rather, as soon as God wants me to). I don't want to wait until I'm old enough to travel and publicize my books. I want to share my books and my passions with people right now, and free self-publishing options, such as Lulu.com can make that possible for writers like you and me.
I guess this is turning out to be one of my typical "all over the place" posts. The words are coming out of my brain nearly as fast as my fingers can type them out!
I suppose I simply wanted to share with you my reasons for choosing to go the self-publishing route (how I ended up finding out about it, and my hopes and plans, if God wills, for future projects) and encourage you, a writer, that you can share your story - whether it be fiction or non-fiction, outlandish or serious ;) - with the world. You don't even have to wait until you're an adult or even wait until you've finished with school! Though I have not personally used Lulu.com yet, I know people who have and I believe their experiences with that publisher have been for the most part positive. Although this is something to discuss with the Lord, and of course your parents, I just wanted to encourage you, I guess.
Well, I've done enough rambling for tonight (or how about for the next five months? :p) so I'll leave you to think about all the information I've just dumped on you... :D
-- Klara C.
I'm glad you stopped by!
When I started blogging over at the other half of the blogosphere, I really didn't know what I was getting in to. But I did know that maybe I could finally type out all the articles I wrote in my head but never wrote down. And here's one of the main thoughts that runs through my head when I talk to writers. It's called, "Why I Decided Not to Go the Mainline Publishing Route" (Lordwilling).
So here you go. I'm typing this out from my head, through my body, to my fingers, onto the keys, onto the screen. And eventually, once I click "publish", and once you click into this blog, onto your screen.
So here we go.
:O
I'm nervous now.
"Why I" #1:
I've enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. For nearly as long as I can remember, I'd also dreamed about publishing a book...publishing a book, that is, someday. I always wrote fiction - crazy, fun, and possibly outlandish tales of alternate worlds that I produced in large, but for the most part unfinished, quantities. When I was nine years old, right before and after moving to England, I wrote mainly about my magical world called Cunburra.
I didn't know there were two ways to publish, but I know now. There's Mainline Publishing, and Self-Publishing. Let me explain.
Mainline Publishing is the one you generally hear about - the publishers that require you to send your beloved story far, far away, only to most likely receive a rejection slip. You tend to hear about writers being rejected over and over again before finally being picked up by a publisher, who agrees to publish their work. Their writing becomes a bestseller, and everyone (publisher, writer, reader) is happy. Yayyy!
Self-Publishing is where the writer pays the publisher to publish the work. The publisher doesn't have to necessarily like their work, or have any particular interest in it. The books are "print on demand", which means when someone orders a book, it's printed and shipped out (instead of, say, 5,000 copies being printed - copies which the author then has to try to sell).
This is the short, un-complicated explanation which may be lacking information you might consider important...and for that I apologise (the British way... the "s" instead of the "z"...). If you care to find out more about the differences between these two publishing methods, feel free to research them out...and let me know what you discover, if you feel so inclined!!! :)
I'd never heard of self-publishing. I'd imagined myself, as an adult, one day publishing my books with one of those mainline publishers. This all changed when, while being treated for cancer in England, I was asked if I had a dream I would liked fulfilled. The charity, Dreams Come True, existed to make the wishes of terminally or seriously ill children, come true. Although many kids requested Disneyland Paris, or swimming with dolphins (both of which are super cool!), I knew I only had one dream, and that was to get my book published.
We'd heard about a self-publisher through a hospital teacher who had become a friend of our family and was using the said publisher to publish her father's book. The publisher agreed to publish my book and even offered to do it for free! : ) That's how my first book, Tales of Cunburra and Other Stories was published. I am sooo thankful for the opportunity! : )
A while after I finished treatment for cancer, and while we were still living in England, I had finished another book (unrelated to Cunburra) which I hoped to have published. Mom and I researched Christian publishers (not self-publishers) and actually sent my story in to one of them. It was not accepted, but it was a good experience for us. At this time I was still learning the process of editing, learning how to write in an active (instead of passive) tense, etc. I continued writing, but we started looking at self-publishing options instead.
I wasn't planning for this to the story of how I got my books published, but that is how it is turning out. :p Well, that's the life of a writer, right? We occasionally end up being surprised by ourselves. :p
The main point I was planning to write in this post were the reasons why I chose not to publish the mainline way. So I guess I'll say them now.
1) I don't write in hopes to become the next bestseller. Although I sometimes dream about my stories becoming famous, being made into movies, etc., many bestsellers tend to be fads that are not based on a Biblical worldview anyway. Also, I don't write to be famous; I write for a different reason...
2) I write to glorify God and hopefully point others to Him. I don't think it's His will for me to mainline publish. I have now found there are even FREE self-publishing options. Many mainline publishers want to know that the author's plan for publicizing their book is. When you're a student (even a homeschooled one! :)), running around the country to market a book generally isn't very synonymous with finishing school. I want to impact those around me with my book(s), and as soon as possible (or rather, as soon as God wants me to). I don't want to wait until I'm old enough to travel and publicize my books. I want to share my books and my passions with people right now, and free self-publishing options, such as Lulu.com can make that possible for writers like you and me.
I guess this is turning out to be one of my typical "all over the place" posts. The words are coming out of my brain nearly as fast as my fingers can type them out!
I suppose I simply wanted to share with you my reasons for choosing to go the self-publishing route (how I ended up finding out about it, and my hopes and plans, if God wills, for future projects) and encourage you, a writer, that you can share your story - whether it be fiction or non-fiction, outlandish or serious ;) - with the world. You don't even have to wait until you're an adult or even wait until you've finished with school! Though I have not personally used Lulu.com yet, I know people who have and I believe their experiences with that publisher have been for the most part positive. Although this is something to discuss with the Lord, and of course your parents, I just wanted to encourage you, I guess.
Well, I've done enough rambling for tonight (or how about for the next five months? :p) so I'll leave you to think about all the information I've just dumped on you... :D
-- Klara C.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Thoughts on NaNoWriMo, or, "Why I am Not Participating in NaNoWriMo This Year But Wishing All the Participants Happy Thoughts and Good Things"
No, it's not a foreign language! Some of you have probably heard of / participate in NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month... And for those of you who haven't heard of it, or am thinking I am speaking gibberish with lots of "N's" in it, NaNoWriMo is where writers from all around the world try to write a 50,000 word (or more) novel in one month - the month of November. You can check out the website here...it's pretty cool! I believe I first heard about it from my dear friend Talia.
Last year I kinda wanted to participate in this amazing month of crafting a novel, but I was busy with a homeschool concert at the time, so I told myself, "I'll do it next year." Well, "next year" is here...and it looks like I'll be waiting 'til "next year" again...for two (and a half) reasons.
1. I'm a high-schooler. :p Sadly, I don't think my school schedule will allow me to take a vacation in NaNoWriMo style - "Thirty days and nights of literary abandon!" as the website explains. (By the way... isn't that such an inspiring description? It makes you wanna sign up! Right then and there!)
2. I have worked the same series to pieces* (or perhaps, to eventual completion) for the past 4 and a half years(!?). And during those 4 1/2 years, with a few minor deviations, several cases of writer's block in varying degrees of severity and a couple major detours, I have focused on writing, editing, developing and giving quality time to that same series. So basically, this means: I have zero ideas for a new novel. No ideas whatsoever. Not even a whatchamacallit of the series (It's 10:27 PM...not that that's any excuse...but I can't remember the name of a book that is inspired by but deviates from the original book).
Subpoint 2.5 Q. Are you sure you don't have any ideas? A. At the moment, yes. Basically, when I get an idea for a book, I write it. I start the book. And since NaNoWriMo requires a novel that has not yet been born (although I believe the website says storylines, character sketches and stuff are fine), I have nada. Nothing.
* Oh no, it rhymes! But it's funny, so I'm not going to edit it out. :p
(You just read the fine print, didn't you?)
And yes, I do know that there is a set-your-own-goal version of NaNoWriMo... It looks neato too, and you can check it out, too! I guess it's something to consider, but at the moment I'm just ridiculously busy. This blog and my other one keep me busy. So do my {many} characters, accumulated over the course of 5 novels. They tell me I don't spend enough time with them anymore, and they tell me that if I start a new novel, they will feel cheated. :p
However, I think NaNoWriMo looks like a completely amazing opportunity and I want to wish all participants inspiration, passion, ideas and of course, time to get all that good stuff written down. :)
To you (yes, you!): Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? What are you thoughts on the matter? :) Also, maybe one (or more) of you participants would be interested in guest posting about your experience once November rolls around?
-- Klara C.
Last year I kinda wanted to participate in this amazing month of crafting a novel, but I was busy with a homeschool concert at the time, so I told myself, "I'll do it next year." Well, "next year" is here...and it looks like I'll be waiting 'til "next year" again...for two (and a half) reasons.
1. I'm a high-schooler. :p Sadly, I don't think my school schedule will allow me to take a vacation in NaNoWriMo style - "Thirty days and nights of literary abandon!" as the website explains. (By the way... isn't that such an inspiring description? It makes you wanna sign up! Right then and there!)
2. I have worked the same series to pieces* (or perhaps, to eventual completion) for the past 4 and a half years(!?). And during those 4 1/2 years, with a few minor deviations, several cases of writer's block in varying degrees of severity and a couple major detours, I have focused on writing, editing, developing and giving quality time to that same series. So basically, this means: I have zero ideas for a new novel. No ideas whatsoever. Not even a whatchamacallit of the series (It's 10:27 PM...not that that's any excuse...but I can't remember the name of a book that is inspired by but deviates from the original book).
Subpoint 2.5 Q. Are you sure you don't have any ideas? A. At the moment, yes. Basically, when I get an idea for a book, I write it. I start the book. And since NaNoWriMo requires a novel that has not yet been born (although I believe the website says storylines, character sketches and stuff are fine), I have nada. Nothing.
* Oh no, it rhymes! But it's funny, so I'm not going to edit it out. :p
(You just read the fine print, didn't you?)
And yes, I do know that there is a set-your-own-goal version of NaNoWriMo... It looks neato too, and you can check it out, too! I guess it's something to consider, but at the moment I'm just ridiculously busy. This blog and my other one keep me busy. So do my {many} characters, accumulated over the course of 5 novels. They tell me I don't spend enough time with them anymore, and they tell me that if I start a new novel, they will feel cheated. :p
However, I think NaNoWriMo looks like a completely amazing opportunity and I want to wish all participants inspiration, passion, ideas and of course, time to get all that good stuff written down. :)
To you (yes, you!): Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? What are you thoughts on the matter? :) Also, maybe one (or more) of you participants would be interested in guest posting about your experience once November rolls around?
-- Klara C.
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